Imperial proofs

[Dwight Gruber]

Originally Posted by klaus 3338

Dwight- you used the words “Erfurt style proof” for the power proof stamps (Beschussstempel in German) on all Erfurt Lugers and the breech blocks and barrels on the DMW Lugers 1915-1918.
The "Spandau proofs" are the power proof stamps on the DWM Lugers until 1915. As you reports above came the "Abnahmebeamte" Proofing officers and inspectors for the DWM Lugers from the Spandau Arsenal. And that was the reason that I used the words Spandau proofs.
Regards Klaus

Klaus,

Thanks for the clarification. In the weeks since your post I have done some further research on the subject of proof marks. The Prussian Imperial Rifle Factories in Spandau, Erfurt, and Danzig each had their own characteristic pattern of the Heraldic Eagle, displayed. The Imperial Rifle Factories of other German states had their own, non-eagle, characteristic marks.

DWM's contract for P08 production was entered into with the Spandau factory, which was responsible for certification and proof.

--Dwight